Smart cards for rickshaw-pullers in N Delhi

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation would soon start registration of all cycle rickshaws plying on the roads in its jurisdiction. There are an estimated 6 lakh cycle rickshaws in Delhi.

The rickshaw pullers will be issued smart cards, similar to a driving licence, which will give them a legal status.

The standing committee cleared the draft guidelines on Wednesday in compliance with the directions of the Delhi High Court that were later upheld by the Supreme Court last year.

"The registration fee for each rickshaw has been fixed at Rs 400. The registration would be valid for five years. Similarly, the owners would have to pay one-time parking charge of Rs 300. The applicants would have to pay a fee of Rs 150 for the smart card," said VP Pandey, deputy cha irman of standing committee, North Corporation.

The Delhi High Court in 2010 had quashed the by-laws framed by the civic body that did not allow more than 99,000 rickshaws to operate in the city.

The officials said that the civic body would not insist upon the proof of purchase of the vehicle.